'It was in our hands' – Casemiro laments about World Cup exit

It looks like Brazil have to wait yet another 4 years to get a crack at winning their record sixth World Cup as Casemiro rues their unexpected loss to Croatia on penalties.

While the game wasn’t the best that the World Cup had to offer, the two teams went to extra times after a goalless draw in the normal time. Then Neymar managed to get the goal that seeming put Brazil in the semi-finals only for Croatia to make it level in the final minutes of extra time.

The match then proceeded to penalties where Croatia excels, having won 8 out of their last 9 penalty shoot-outs, and they managed to get their ninth penalty shoot-out as well after Livakovic saved Rodrygo’s penalty and Marquinhos hit the bar.

Manchester United midfielder

talked to the press after the match, saying:

"All defeats are painful, especially when you have a goal, a dream, you have a four-year job for that moment. It's hard to find words in these moments,"

the midfielder said.

"It's about lifting your head, life that goes on. We are sad, everyone in the group did their best. We get upset, mainly because of the way it was. It was in our hands, it escaped there. 

"It's a hard moment. Now it's about having peace of mind, life has to go on."

The 30-year-old wasn’t ready to rule out another World Cup appearance though as he said:

"I'm 30. Of course, there are always kids, but I'm 30 years old. I'm living the best moment of my career and I'm very happy at the club I'm at,"

he said.

"I missed an opportunity, but we need to see, especially now that a new coach will come in.

"You need to have respect. It's a tough time to talk about it, but we don't have to think about it now. It's about having tranquillity and a cool head."

Unlike Casemiro, one player that definitely will not be in Brazil’s squad in 2024 is Chelsea’s

. The 38-year-old spoke to the press about the matter, saying:

"Unfortunately, as a player, I will not be able to lift this cup. Who knows later with another role," the veteran defender said. "It's difficult to have words at that moment. 

"I have already gone through some decisions in my life, not only in the national team, but personally.

"When we lose something important, which we aim for, it hurts a lot. You have to try to lift your head and follow it up, there's no other alternative. I'm a guy who got up every time he fell."

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